Best Pre Workout of 2023
*Here you will learn about the importance of pre workout and its association with building muscle, and even fat loss. You will also find which of the best pre workout supplements are right for you to help reach you fitness goals!
What is Pre Workout?
Pre workout supplements can help improve athletic performance by providing a mixture of caffeine, creatine, and amino acids. They increase energy levels, making individuals feel more alert and focused, resulting in better workout intensity and duration. They also enhance blood flow to muscles, promoting nutrient and oxygen delivery, aiding muscle growth and reducing fatigue. Basically, pre workout can support endurance, strength, and recovery, making them beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, it is crucial to use pre workout responsibly by following recommended dosages, and consulting a healthcare professional if necessary.
Preworkouts contain three main ingredients – l-citruline, beta-alanine, and caffeine – along with varying ingredients with different functions that depend on the brand and formula. It is important to understand how these ingredients work and how they aid in improving athletic performance before deciding on a specific pre workout to purchase.
Caffeine
*400 mg is roughly the daily limit of safe consumption for a healthy adult
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in various plants, most notably coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao. It’s one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world. When ingested, caffeine acts on the central nervous system, primarily by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. This results in increased alertness, improved concentration, and reduced perceived fatigue. These effects make caffeine a popular choice for boosting wakefulness and mental acuity, which is why it’s commonly found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and numerous dietary supplements.
Additionally, caffeine can also stimulate the release of adrenaline, leading to a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be advantageous for physical performance during activities like workouts or sports. However, it’s important to consume caffeine in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to adverse side effects such as jitteriness, insomnia, and increased heart rate.
L-Citruline
*A recommended dose of L-citruliune is 3 – 6 grams; 8 grams for citruline malate
L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid naturally found in watermelon and certain other foods, but it is also commonly used as a dietary supplement. Once consumed, the body converts L-citrulline into another amino acid called L-arginine, which in turn aids in the production of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow. This enhanced blood circulation has several potential benefits, including improved exercise performance, reduced muscle soreness, and enhanced recovery. Athletes and individuals seeking to optimize their workouts often turn to L-citrulline supplements to promote better blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles, ultimately supporting endurance and overall fitness goals.
Beta Alanine
*A recommended dose of Beta Alanine is 3.2 – 6.4 grams
Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of carnosine, a dipeptide found in muscle tissue. Carnosine acts as a buffer against the build-up of acid in muscles during intense exercise, helping to delay the onset of muscle fatigue. Beta-alanine supplementation is popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts because it can increase carnosine levels in muscles, thereby enhancing endurance and overall exercise performance. This amino acid is particularly effective in activities that involve short bursts of high-intensity effort, such as weightlifting or sprinting. When used as part of a well-rounded nutritional and training regimen, beta-alanine can contribute to improved athletic performance and prolonged workout durations.
Best Pre Workout
Ryse Pre Workout
Ryse Loaded Pre is a top preworkout supplement with a unique blend of ingredients. Their transparent labeling fosters trust and confidence in the product. They offer licensed flavors such as Ring Pop, Smarties, Kool Aid, Sunny D, and Country Time Lemonade. Ryse Loaded Pre also contains Zum XR for slow released caffeine to prevent a crash and Thinkamine, which is a natural extract that intensifies neurotransmitter activity.
4,318 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine: 300 mg
- L-Citrulline: 4500 mg
- Beta alanine: 3500 mg
- Zum XR: 120 mg
- Thinkamine: 10 mg
Bucked Up Pre Workout
Bucked Up is a popular option with a unique formula and interesting ingredients that set them apart. They use deer antler velvet for boosting strength and immunity, countering stress, and promoting quick recovery. Alpha GPC is another ingredient that enhances focus and memory by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. They also use Himalayan rock salt which improves hydration rates and reduces muscle cramps.
5,217 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine: 200 mg
- Citrulline Malate 2:1: 6000 mg
- Beta Alanine: 2000 mg
- Deer Antler Velvet Extract: 50 mg
- Alpha GPC: 200 mg
- Himilayan Rock Salt: 100 mg
Legion Pulse Pre Workout
Legion Pulse offers a simple and effective formula with proper doses of every ingredient, including Betanine, L-Theanine, and Alphasize. Betanine improves hydration, power, and protein synthesis, while L-Theanine increases focus, productivity, and mood. Alphasize enhances brain metabolism to improve focus, memory, cognitive response, and sports performance.
16,178 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine: 350 mg
- Citrulline DL Malate: 8000 mg
- Beta Alanine: 3600 mg
- Betaine: 2500 mg
- L-Theanine: 350 mg
- Alphasize (Alpha Glyceryl): 300 mg
Gorilla Mode Pre Workout
Gorilla mode has a unique approach to supplements, with different ingredients than most brands. They skip Beta Alanine and instead use Betaine, which helps with energy production. They also include Creatine Monohydrate, which is a highly studied and beneficial supplement for increasing muscle and brain health. Glycerpump is an additional ingredient, which improves cell volumization, nutrition uptake, and endurance.
13,224 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine: 175 mg
- L-Citrulline: 4500 mg
- Betaine: 1250 mg
- Creatine Monohydrate: 2500 mg
- Glycerpump (Glycerol): 1500 mg
Alpha Lion Pre Workout
4,182 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine Blend: 160 mg
- L-Citrulline: 2000 mg
- Beta Alanine: 1600 mg
- L-Taurine: 250 mg
- L-Tyrosine: 500 mg
- Black Pepper: 5mg
Woke AF Pre Workout
2,395 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine Blend: 333 mg
- Citrulline Malate 2:1: 6000 mg
- Beta Alanine: 3200 mg
- Deer Antler Velvet Extract: 50 mg
- Taurine: 500 mg
- Himilayan Rock Salt: 100mg
CBUM Thavage Pre Workout
946 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine: 130 mg
- L-Citrulline: 3000 mg
- Beta Alanine: 1600 mg
- Huperzine: 50 mcg
- Alpha GPC: 200 mg
- L-Theanine: 100mg
Ryse Element Pre Workout
3,214 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine: 150 mg
- Beta Alanine: 3200 mg
- Arganine Nitrate: 1500 mg
- Züm XR: 70 mg
- Thinkamine: 10 mg
CBUM Essential Pre Workout
638 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine Blend: 200 mg
- L-Citruline: 4000 mg
- Beta Alanine: 3200 mg
- Himilayan Pink Salt: 200mg
- Taurine: 1000 mg
- L-Tyrosine: 2000 mg
C4 Pre Workout
3,818 Ratings
Key Ingredients
- Caffeine Blend: 300 mg
- L-Citruline: 4000 mg
- Beta Alanine: 3200 mg
- Huperzine A: 50mcg
- Alphasize: 200 mg
- Theacrine: 62.5 mg
Common Questions
Here, we have researched the internet to find out what you guys are asking the most about pre workout, and we are here to answer!
What does pre workout do?
Pre-workout supplements are designed to enhance physical performance during exercise by providing a combination of ingredients such as caffeine, amino acids, and vitamins. These formulations aim to increase energy levels, improve focus, and optimize blood flow to muscles, ultimately aiding individuals in achieving more effective and sustained workouts.
Is pre workout bad for you?
No, Pre workout is not bad for you. It has many ingredients which are used to help improve your overall health. However, it can be harmful when taking an amount which exceeds the recommended dose.
What is pre workout?
Pre-workout is a fitness supplement typically available in powder or liquid form, containing a blend of ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine. It is designed to be consumed before exercise to boost energy, increase endurance, and enhance overall athletic performance.
How long does preworkout last?
The duration of the effects of pre-workout supplements varies among individuals due to factors like metabolism and sensitivity to ingredients. Generally, the effects can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, providing an energy boost and heightened focus during this time frame.
Is preworkout creatine?
No, Pre Workout is not creatine, although many pre workouts do in fact contain creatine. Check out our muscle building tools page to learn more about creatine.
Does preworkout expire?
Pre-workout supplements generally have an expiration date printed on the packaging, but the range before expiration is usually around 18-24 months without being exposed to air. Once past this expiration date, the ingredients in the pre-workout may degrade, potentially compromising its potency and safety, making it advisable to discard and replace the product.
Why does preworkout make you itch
The tingling or itching sensation often experienced after consuming pre-workout supplements is attributed to the presence of beta-alanine, a common ingredient. Beta-alanine increases levels of carnosine in the muscles, which can cause a harmless but temporary side effect known as paresthesia, resulting in the tingling sensation some individuals feel.
How long does it take preworkout to kick in
The onset of pre-workout effects can vary depending on factors such as metabolism and individual sensitivity to ingredients, but generally, individuals may start feeling the effects within 20 to 30 minutes of consumption.